Here's to Hoping the Weight is Over

By Dan and Jennifer Digmann

3 min read

Is it possible to be hopeless and optimistic at the same time? Welcome to my world when it comes to weight loss as a woman who uses a wheelchair and can no longer stand on her own.

Struggling with my weight

I am overweight, and I have struggled to lose weight for most of my life. From when I was a little girl until right now, I’ve always been aware of, been uncomfortable with, and been embarrassed by my size; all the while knowing that I need to lose weight.

But it’s in my nature that I hate to lose. I’m not exactly a brat. It’s just that I am more of a poor sport and a sore loser. Maybe because I am a little sister and a lifelong Michigan Wolverine football fan, but I am not fond of losing.

And it was not until I typed that sentence that I saw its incredible irony: I hate to lose, yet I want to lose more than anything.

Trying to remain hopeful

I have tried to lose weight numerous times in my life. Doctors who have advised me about weight loss always suggested healthy diets and exercise. While I have had some success with healthy diets, long-term sustained weight loss is a constant struggle.

Exercise is a struggle, too. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when I was 23. Five years after my MS diagnosis, I could no longer walk, yet walking is what many weight loss experts say is critical to controlling your weight. Ugh!

Even with these challenges, I’ve tried to remain hopeful. My hope is more realistic now than ever before because injectable medications are available to assist with weight loss. Maybe those drugs finally could help me, and help my husband, Dan, too.

No, Dan does not need to slim down. He is my incredible husband who loves me despite my weight woes; wheelchair and all. And I love Dan, and I continue trying to lose weight for him because he is my primary caregiver and he also has MS. Of course, a lighter frame would make his day-to-day caregiving responsibilities easier and hopefully also preserve his health.

It’s not like I haven’t tried to lose weight

Again, it’s not like I haven’t tried. Shortly after Dan and I got married nearly 19 years ago, I looked into bariatric surgery. But I was not eligible to have it because I don’t walk. What a disappointment, but I did find some success with Weight Watchers, and I was happy. Brief moments of happiness because, well, food always is there for me.

I honestly thought I would have time to change my relationship with and fondness for food, but time and life go by so fast. I looked at the calendar and poof! I’m turning 50 in a matter of months, as of my writing this. Eke! I have to deal with my obesity. Now.

It turns out I am not alone with this weighty issue. Just look around. Obesity is everywhere. In fact, around 73% of American adults are overweight in general, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control.

Can new weight loss medications help?

I always wanted a miracle pill or way for me to lose weight. So, I’m left pondering whether the likes of newly-introduced weight loss medications such as Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro will be the answer to my call to shed this surplus of pounds.

You probably have seen news stories about those medications or a shrinking celebrity or two who credit these drugs with helping them lose weight. But as a non-celebrity, are any of these meds available and realistic for me or others in my MS community struggling with their weight?

It is exciting and promising that these injectable medications exist. However, these drugs can also have some serious disadvantages. The meds can be expensive and may have unpleasant side effects, ranging from gastrointestinal and stomach issues, to dizziness and fatigue.¹

Seeing if they could be an option

My secondary progressive MS and inability to walk add to the complexities surrounding the potential life-changing impacts these medications have.

For now, I guess I literally will have to weight and see if they are an option for me.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The MultipleSclerosis.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Therry Neilsen Moderator & Contributor
Jennifer, I think I have spent my entire life fighting with my weight. Over the course of fifty years of my marriage, I have wavered between 162 pounds and 207....Of all the diets you've tried, I've probably tried most of them. I'm very fortunate in my disease course because I can and do exercise. I work out with a trainer three times a week, take a weekly yoga class and walk with a friend. I was moved to try the Noom weight loss program because they sponsored my favorite NPR radio program, and lost 40 pounds in time for my fiftieth college reunion. I couldn't keep all of it off, but I currently weigh what I weighed when I was 13 years old, and have decided that's good enough for an old lady! Weight matters in that it can hamper our ability to move, but eating consciously and moving to the best of our ability matters too. Good for you and Dan!
AshliFaith Member
 I fully understand what you're talking about when referring to needing to shed a bunch of weight. I grew up in a home with morbidly obese parents & I was right there with `em too! Shoot, by the time I was 16 I weighed 275lbs & wore a size 26/28 in blue jeans (& those were extremely tight). It seemed that any time I "attempted" to lose the weight I would fail...that's until I took the initiative to beat this & start counting all the calories I ate & move around more than just watching t.v.! By eating a 1,000 calories a day & changing my daily life is all it took to go from 275lbs to 142lbs. The only downside was that it took me 2 looonnng years, but all in all, it was worth it! I know for a fact that no matter the ailment you've been diagnosed with, your strong will to be successful in getting the pounds off will be a lot stronger than anything else! God bless you & yours🤗💕, Ashley Bonanno 🎶
1. Alene L. Brennan, RYT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="AshliFaith" user-id="4175075"/> thank you so much for sharing your story, I'm sure those early years were hard. I really admire the courage you had to start and maintain your weight loss journey, that's incredible and something to be so proud of. Congratulations and thanks for sharing the inspiration here with our community! Best Alene, Moderator 
2. CommunityMemberc51d8e Member
 <inline-mention username="AshliFaith" user-id="4175075"/> the hard part is that for many it's not actually about calories. I went down that journey, unsuccessfully. I did food testing and discovered I was not only gluten intolerant but any and all simple carbs caused inflammation. I actually leave room for that food caused inflammation to have been what was triggered to become MS. That aside by switching to just eating meat, fish, vegetables and low glycemic fruit (berries and not a lot of them) my inflammation disappeared in a couple of weeks and 50 lbs dropped in 6 months. The nice part is I can eat until I'm truly full if I keep my net carbs under 25 grams a day. My neuropathy decreased greatly and I've not seen any progression of my MS since.
Kim Dolce Moderator & Contributor
Jennifer, If you haven't already, you could ask your doc about physical therapy. Whenever I picked their brains, my PTs have been great at suggesting resources and techniques for what I can do at home. You probably already know this--there are so many ways to raise your heart rate while in a chair. Search Labs spell it out nicely; here's the link: <a href='https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+get+a+cardiovascular+workout+in+a+wheelchair&rlz=1C1JZEV_enUS929US930&oq=how+to+get+a+cardiovascular+workout+in+a+wheelchair' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+get+a+cardiovascular+workout+in+a+wheelchair&rlz=1C1JZEV_enUS929US930&oq=how+to+get+a+cardiovascular+workout+in+a+wheelchair</a> Some things listed are: wheelchair sprinting, performing rapid pushing motions, using a rowing machine adapted for wheelchair use, playing wheelchair sports like basketball or netball, swimming, or doing seated exercises that raise your heart rate and make you slightly out of breath, while ensuring to gradually build up the intensity and duration of your workouts. Your PTs should plug into these things and design a program for you, if you specifically request this kind of program to your referring doc. I am suggesting these things because I have had great success working with PTs, where I made my problem areas and goals very clear and they custom-designed a program for me. Again, you probably already know this: Youtube has tons of videos using seated cardio/resistance exercises. I feel you about the weight loss. I took off 40 pounds last year and put on 10 this year. So I'm now losing that 10 just in time for holiday dinner-weight gain, lol. I hope you will soon find a movement program that fits your needs and wants. Hugs, Kim, moderator
1. Kim Dolce Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Silver Oma" user-id="8860740"/> Ah, I have balance issues too! My PTs had me standing on a thick, squishy cushion, then close my eyes! They spotted me while I fell to one side and then the other, until I instinctively exhaled in bursts, kind of like the Lamaze method, lol, and it was very effective in restoring my balance so I wasn't falling all over the place. I don't do this at home, though. Another balance exercise they had me do that made me see some progress: They had me walk briskly in a straight line down the hall, then told me to abruptly pivot until I was facing the opposite direction. By the end of PT, I was nailing it without losing my balance! I also suffer from BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), and they did the Epley maneuver several times throughout PT until I no longer had dizzy spells. I have had them in the year since then, but they were very brief and resolved on their own. My PTs said anytime the dizziness returns, I can just call them and they'll do the Epley for free 😀 There are youtube videos for balance, too! One has you standing in a corner for safety with a chair to hang onto, then closing your eyes and doing some movements. Tons of balance videos. We are so lucky that we have many resources for disabled-specific exercise 😀 Warmly, Kim, moderator
2. Silver Oma Member
 <inline-mention username="Kim Dolce" user-id="4084112"/> hold on a sec, I have to stop laughing and catch my breath. Anything even remotely requiring me to close my eyes (not seated) will be a 9/10 chance that I'll lose my balance. The "PT" testing that was done was aborted prematurely due to the therapist freakin out about my wobbles. The hallway walk my neuro does and upon pivoting I say "Hello" to the wall. Hahaha My short term goal is to dive deep into researching online resources / videos that will motivate me to attempt to make a positive change. Thank you for sharing your experiences. The Epley exercise is a new term for me (also looking into). You are right, we have many various avenues to receive assistance from (some free, some covered by insurance). Now for the hardest part: Finding what works for me. Would be easier if there was a Reference List (maybe a project in the future). Thank you again, I'll keep you posted.
Silver Oma Member
I had to re-read part of your post as it hit home with me. Both you AND your husband have MS? It's not something that I have seen in writing, but it is ALSO what eventually happened with my (now-ex) Husband and me. Shortly after he was diagnosed our marriage imploded and ended in divorce. (His wish was for me to disappear.) Fast forward almost twenty years: I go in seeking answers to medical problems I've noticed. Simultaneously with receiving diagnosis I was questioned why I wasn't diagnosed earlier. But I veer off the path. How do you tell adult children that you also have MS without looking like you are copying their father's diagnosis? It has been very hard. Now, don't think they aren't trying to be supportive, but who would have expected both parents to have this--neither side has had anyone diagnosed with MS or similar issues. I have been ill most of my life so adding this was extremely difficult. I was forced to talk to them when I was no longer able to work. You are an inspiration as you are trying to make changes even with your limited mobility. This gives me motivation to research different exercises that I can begin to do on my own. Thank you for sharing your journey, hopes, and wishes for the future. If I may, could I use your name in my new Mantra? WWJD What Would Jenni Do? LMK Sending virtual High Fives
1. Silver Oma Member
 <inline-mention username="Kim Dolce" user-id="4084112"/> you pointed out that digging further into relatives past parents might reveal illnesses / symptoms related to MS. Sadly, most of my blood relatives have passed on and records past my grandparents (which is spotty at best) have all been lost to bombing and destruction done during WWII. My daughter has tried to research our past and has also found bumps in the process due to adoptions, illegitimate children never known about, and lack of record keeping as possible issues. The countries' borders were moving which makes my family tree branches reach into several different (current day) countries. Add to that (I say-the extra hot-fudge sauce on my banana split sundae-lol) the major conflict in WWII. Religious beliefs were changed / hidden in order to survive. Many members of families were split up in attempts to make it to a "safe" area never to be reunited. Several were successful in obtaining passage to the USA where they started their lives over. One of the ships' manifests found ALL the "passengers" that survived the transAtlantic voyage had the surname of Newman (and today many variations still exist) which, if we think about it, they were -- new man -- new life. One of our branches is from that escapee vein. Most likely, my x-mother-in-law's family was from an area referred to in historic documents as Romania. Scary that when we were able to find photographs, my daughter looks eerily like a twin of Romanian women. Sorry, my long post, mental train went down a different track. Hahaha Just wanted to share (lss) that many of us don't know much about our true ancestorial roots. My eldest granddaughter had a Grafted branch (adopted) who had diabetes which was hard to find. Another one of my granddaughters has Epilepsy. Big news to us way after realizing this was that her father's mother has epilepsy (still living-just didn't share this little gem with her son). Wondering where this will take us next. Thank you for reading. 
2. Kim Dolce Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Silver Oma" user-id="8860740"/> My heart goes out to you for those heart-breaking revelations. WWII caused surviving families so much ongoing loss, as you have so movingly described and that few of us are aware of. These, in addition to the horrible atrocities we have sadly come to know. How fortunate that you learned of a piece of the puzzle about your granddaughter's family history of epilepsy. My hope for you is that more helpful family information will come your way. And should you feel comfortable doing so, please do share it with us. We care deeply about the ongoing struggles, setbacks, and gains, whether big or small. Thinking of you, Kim, moderator
Anthonyp Member
I feel this is another part of MS where other people and even my own instincts expect me to fight, punch, kick, karate, judo, kung fu, Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, hulk hogan, Dwayne Johnson my way through it, and that's great for the first ten minutes of trying that!
1. Silver Oma Member
 <inline-mention username="Anthonyp" user-id="4726317"/> not as physically explosive as your post, but overall, yes, we are supposed to muddle through. Problem is, I don't have the physical or mental stamina to slough through mud any more. Got a good laugh reading your post. Thank you for sharing your mental images. Keep on fighting your way through.
2. Anthonyp Member
 <inline-mention username="Silver Oma" user-id="8860740"/> <img src="/content/images/2024/10/16/c7d4950d12626c637592fa140c986b6a_medium.jpg" alt="Eye" class="uploaded-image"/>
AJoy Member
Your story could be my own! I'm 60 now, and live on my own. While I can still transfer in and out of my PowerWheels, I am finding that *I* have increasing difficulty lifting my own weight. But food seems to be a sensory necessity for my ADHD. My alphabet soup always compounds rather than counteract, lol. Wonderful Wishes for your weight-loss journey! Maybe it will rub off on me, lol. 
1. Latoya.Juniel Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="AJoy" user-id="4554014"/> I totally understand what you mean about food being a sensory necessity—it’s such a tricky balance when managing ADHD, MS, and everything else in our personal alphabet soups! I’m sending you strength and positive vibes as you continue managing things on your end. Maybe after her energy rubs off on you, I'm next! Keep going, and wonderful wishes to you as well! 😊 Kindly, Latoya (Team Member)
CommunityMemberbeb121 Member
I'm always struggling with my weight, I was diagnosed with PPMS in 2017 it is very depressing, I love to cut grass knowing the aftermath of Ms spasms, but I do it anyway pushing myself to the point of almost falling over but I do it anyway. 
1. Latoya.Juniel Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberbeb121" user-id="9749761"/> MS can make everyday tasks feel like such a battle, especially when you're pushing yourself despite the aftermath. It’s inspiring that you keep going, but I completely understand how frustrating it must be. Have you tried or considered doing any alternative exercises? Even small movements can make a difference without pushing yourself too far. Remember to take care of yourself, and don't forget to celebrate the small victories along the way. You're doing amazing, and you’re not alone in this journey! All the best, Latoya (Team Member)
jhajji Member
Wow, Jennifer could have been telling my story! Someday, maybe MS will be a factor that could get these meds approved by insurance. It would sure make living life with MS easier if we had a little help like making these meds available to us at an affordable price.
1. Latoya.Juniel Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="jhajji" user-id="4004540"/> I completely agree! It’s frustrating that access to helpful medications is such a challenge. Hopefully, with more awareness, insurance will eventually make these treatments affordable for everyone with MS. We deserve that kind of support, and I’m hopeful change will come! Stay encouraged, Latoya (Team Member)
navygirl1978 Member
No story or suggestions...... Just THANK YOU for your story. You are not alone. 🧡
CarmenMiranda Member
Oh Jennifer, I am right there with you! Struggling to keep the weight off was hard enough before MS and it’s countless challenges, sigh. Testament to these trials is the comprehensive array of clothing and the even greater range of sizes bulging from my closet! Sadly, progression of my PPMS has grounded me somewhat. Now so many of these fashion finds are relegated to the back of the closet, in favour of comfortable clothing I can actually tolerate and items that are easy to don. And please do NOT get me started on footwear, either! Aye Yai Yai! I just had to voice my support-you are def not alone!! Thanks for sharing! Carmen from Canada
mrsaristotle Member
I have heard it before tried to loose weight etc done all these programmes. Losing wieght shouldnt be a chore. i am 73 sedantary, can only walk around my tiny bungalow, have had MS since 2000. PPMS I shed from 11stones to 9 stones. How. Well simple i changed the size of my plate. I eat what is necessary to my activity. THE trick is the carbs. PEOPLE EAT WAY TOO MANY CARBS in one meal. we dont need them. I have seen people with a large slice of lasagne or pizza and a side of CHIPS. no way. EAT less EAT BEST, is my motto. No transfat (or as little as possible), sat fats, PROCESSED FOODS, fried foods. KEEP OF BURGERS, beef is highly inflammatory. i eat only chicken and fish. mostly have cous cous salad (gives me carbs), and a piece of fish, i always have a beetroot with every meal, and frut for after. i am full. in the evening i have a light supper. i stay at my weight constantly. KICK THE CARBS, or spread them out. AVOCADO go for it they are super healthy. eat less eat best. NO SNACKING. but find one healthy snack and stick with it once a day. I have american friends with MS and when they show me their portion sizes i nearly freak out it would feed me for a week lol. DO NOT USE INJECTIONS, this is just another gimmick by pharma to make money out of vulnerable people. I CHALLENGE YOU to kick your plate out and go smaller. you will loose weight without thinking about it. 9 stones at 73, i am a perfect weight, i always have breakfast a whole wheat one with fortified coconut milk, and 2 spoons of flax seeds. my blood tests are always super healthy. BERRIES are the best, blue berries, and strawberries lol. GRAPES THE WORSE as they are high in sugar. watch out for the old trick of LOW FAT YOGHURTS as they have higher sugar content. just enjoy your food, have a little treat now and then dark chocolate is good. BET just chuck the frying pan out, and go for it lol. 
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="mrsaristotle" user-id="4109459"/>, thanks for sharing what has worked for you! Losing weight and keeping it off can be a challenge, but it is doable. And, many people do find certain foods to be inflammatory (like simple carbs/white flour, alcohol, red meat, sugar, and even nightshades), so finding which foods cause inflammation and avoiding them can be really useful. Thanks again for sharing! Best, Erin, Team Member. 
2. Alene L. Brennan, RYT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="mrsaristotle" user-id="4109459"/> I can so appreciate your passion for a healthy diet. I too have had a great experience with making changes to my diet. One of the things that I have learned over the years is that there's no one diet that works for everyone, and there's no one diet that will always work for each of us throughout all the many different seasons in life. I'm so grateful to hear that you have found the best way of eating for you in this season. We certainly celebrate that with you. Best Alene, team member
Carissa Member
I started Ozempic back in August. My neurologist (who is also an MS specialist) suggested it stating that research has shown that it helps with the inflammation caused by MS. My insurance denied it at first, of course, but after an appeal and submitting a bunch of research documents I googled supporting my appeal, they approved it. It has helped me lose weight (not rapidly, because I am staying on the lowest dose due to side effects), but I'm not gonna lie, sometimes I wonder if the benefits are worth it because the side effects are not so great. Constant nausea and constipation. These drugs slow down the digestive tract and stomach emptying, causing you to feel full for longer. If you already have digestive issues, gastroparesis, etc., due to MS, I WOULD NOT recommend these drugs. I hope this is helpful to anyone considering them. Also, i had to stop taking it for about 9 weeks because i had surgery, and i gained all of my weight back, quickly. Just be mindful of the side effects and honest with yourself when issues arise. Good luck!!
1. NewDayK Member
 <inline-mention username="Carissa" user-id="3964398"/> so sorry... check out Dr Eric Westman at Duke University or get your doctor to... familiar with ALL your experience. Cheering you on... MS hurts us and then we seek answers harder ... you have been👍👍
2. Lisa Emrich Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Carissa" user-id="3964398"/> - Thank you for sharing your experience. My primary doctor prescribed Wegovy after we talked about how I had gained so much weight in the last two years and have kept it on. Of course, insurance denied it. They won't cover anything for weight loss. But I haven't had any conversations with my neurologist about it. It's encouraging that you were able to appeal using research and the support of your neurologist. I hope that you are doing well after surgery and have found a good balance between medication, symptoms and weight management. Best wishes, Lisa
Tammyjomojo Member
I have the opposite problem. I can’t keep weight on. Currently 105lbs. I’m 5’3” and have been small most of my life. Now living on 3rd floor, so the stair climbing causes me to lose even more. Something that frustrates me is I know if I was overweight a lot of my problems would be blamed on that. Obviously not the case. The struggle is real no matter what size body you are in. Nothing but love! 🫧
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="Tammyjomojo" user-id="4690574"/>, I hear you. Being on either end of the spectrum (overweight or underweight) isn't easy and it's frustrating when nothing you do seems to help. And yes, living on the third floor and taking all those stairs is probably great for your heart health, but not so great when you're tying to keep weight on! Best, Erin, Team Member. 
2. Latoya.Juniel Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="Tammyjomojo" user-id="4690574"/> Challenges do come in all shapes and sizes, and you're so right, the struggle is real no matter what. It's tough when people often focus on weight as the cause of health problems, without realizing that both underweight and overweight individuals face their own unique battles. Sending you lots of love and positive energy as you navigate this journey. Stay strong, and take care of yourself! Warmly, Latoya (Team Member)
CommunityMemberfcab45 Member
Hello Jennifer, you might like to have a look at videos posted on Youtube by Dr Eric Westman. He has long been practising at Duke University in the US. He specialises in helping people with obesity lose weight long-term. Reading your article, I thought of him because I have heard him say over and over that after helping many thousands of people he is aware that many are unable to exercise, for one reason or another, but that does not stop them from losing weight and meeting their goals by following his simplified low carb diet. I am eating very low carb to keep my blood sugar down and I can confirm that replacing a lot of the carbs in my diet with fat and protein really does keep me from getting hungry. It is very surprising, but nowadays I have to remind myself to eat regularly in order not to get too thin! When I was eating a "healthy" low fat, high good carb diet I wanted to eat very often. When I went out, I always took a snack with me. I was not obese, but I always had a few pounds to lose (and never could lose them). I do hope this doesn't sound too much like propaganda for the low carb movement. It is sincerely based on my own experience since 2017. Good luck! Alexandra.
CommunityMember1779 Member
Have you tried chair yoga or chair pilates? I was always skeptical but finally tried the classes (usually 50 minutes) and was amazed at how much exercise it actually was - I was sore the next day but felt really good about adding these classes into my life. Everyone is sitting and many people, for whatever their reasons, are in wheelchairs. Good luck. PS - you can also get these classes online but sometimes commiting to a class and making acquaintences in the class can inspire you to keep going.
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember1779" user-id="4000385"/>, thank you for mentioning this! I tried a chair yoga class once and was pleasantly surprised how energizing and challenging it was! It's definitely an option and a good one for many people. My Mom does daily yoga and pilates classes and she agrees with your take about signing up for in-person classes. She even pays in full up front to inspire (force?) her to get her money's worth and not ditch too many classes! Best, Erin, team Member.
MSWarrior99 Member
I hear ya Sister! I am able to walk using a cane, but am unable to walk any distance. And yes, most lower impact exercise routines include walking! (One of things about MS that really gets me is the fact that it steals one of the most basic physical movements from us! If you’re unable to walk, you’re pretty much screwed!) I think about the days before I got MS. I used to walk all the time. Long walk, no problem. I would walk until the cows came home.) I too struggle with my weight. Even before MS picked me, I have always been unhappy with my weight. As I have gotten older and now have MS, the weight is slowly creeping up. I too am interested in the new GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. I’m guessing that even if one of my physicians would write me a script, Medicare will most likely not cover the cost. (Which totally sucks!) If anyone has had any success with this, I’d love to hear your story. I don’t have a magic answer, but I do understand your situation. Please know there are many MS Warriors that are here for you. We hear you. We understand you. We support you. Keep your head up and never give in to MS!💜🙂 
1. Alene L. Brennan, RYT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="MSWarrior99" user-id="4059906"/> thanks so much for sharing your story and encouragement to the group! Alene (team member)
NewDayK Member
Jennifer... MS too and no exercise/homebound but 35 lbs down since August 2023. I took a online course with Dr Eric Westman lecturing, an Internal Medicine Specialist, and Amy Berger, CNS. The benefits unprecedented and changed my life and simple. I took an online course in January to learn the science. Not gimmicky I promise... science and published studies, plus ongoing research and you may find support beyond what you could imagine. I worked in mainstream health care for decades. I am sending you all my best wishes and thanks on behalf the many who benefit from your heart and sharing your experience that lifts many. No one need be alone as your courage helps. Kathleen
1. Alene L. Brennan, RYT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="NewDayK" user-id="4023629"/> congratulations on your success, and thanks so much for sharing what worked so well for you - and for sharing your encouragement to the community here! We always appreciate the light being shine on more hope! Best Alene (team member) 
2. Lisa Emrich Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="NewDayK" user-id="4023629"/> - Thank you for sharing what you've accomplished and valuable information about how you went about it. I'm not familiar with the clinicians you mention but it's good to know that there are non-gimmicky options available. Best wishes to you, Kathleen -- Lisa
glendahendry Member
I am over a decade older, but also cannot walk and am overweight. I asked my neurologist about weight loss medication and he discouraged it’s use. I relied, “well, I’ll just die fat and happy.” 
1. Doreen H Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="glendahendry" user-id="3995139"/>, I love your perspective! I would like to add that it is very difficult to get these weight loss medications approved by insurance. I'm not sure which is a tougher battle...weight loss or insurance companies. Sending you tons of positive thoughts, Doreen (Team Member)
SuzyL Member
As I started reading your essay, it was like reading my story, with the exception of Michigan Wolverines. I’ve been an Ohio Buckeyes fan my whole life. 😀 I did get my doctor to prescribe Maunjaro. So far I’ve lost 35 lbs. and I’m not really that hungry, so it is affecting the stomach hormone that signals the brain that you’re full. My biggest side effect is constipation. I still haven’t figured out the balance with laxatives. I hope you find your answer soon. I know I’ve been overjoyed with the Mounjaro. I still can’t believe how similar our stories are. My MS is still relapsing remitting because my MS showed up later in life, but I’ve had many of the same symptoms as you. Maybe I’ll tell you the rest of my story sometime. SuzyL
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="SuzyL" user-id="4249413"/>, I am glad you chimed in on this thread and shared your experience with Mounjaro. I am so glad it's been a good experience for you, overall. And please do feel free to share your story on this site, if you would like. You can always post it in our stories section -- <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net/stories' target='_blank'>https://multiplesclerosis.net/stories</a>. And, as a fellow Midwesterner, I appreciate you finding common ground with Jennifer despite the Buckeyes/Wolverines rivalry 😉 . I have no dog in this fight, being a Purdue alum (listen, we're having a rebuilding year/decade/whatever). Thanks again for joining this conversation! Best, Erin, Team Member.